New life for carving.

Recently, an old, unfinished Oamaru stone carving of a tuatara was unearthed in an overgrown area of land near our Tū Ora’s unit at Christchurch Men’s Prison.

In what Pathway reintegration manager Anaru Baynes described as a “heartwarming” gesture, two of the men we work with have taken it upon themselves to “finish and evolve’’ the approximately 2m long, 1m high sculpture, started by a talented, albeit unknown, craftsman.

“We’ve asked around and no-one could remember who the carver was; it could have been there for up to two decades.

“In the spirit of what the unit is about - bringing new life and a fresh start - these two Tū Ora, one of whom is really skilled in Whakairo carving (working with wood), said we should finish that, bring new life to that and value it; get it out in the open and bring value to what it is.’’

Anaru says the Tū Ora taking on the challenge will act as a mentor to the second keen to be involved, which further embraced Navigate’s values.

“It’s a method of passing on skills, knowledge and wisdom. This has been organic. They see it as a contribution to the Navigate kaupapa of fresh starts and helping people out.

We’ll see how it evolves...the process of this has been heartening for all of us to see Tū Ora taking leadership.”

When completed, it is planned for the carving to be displayed in the Tū Ora’s unit.